Salt-powered technology offers new path to safer water

Water disinfection technology that uses salt, water and electricity is being showcased to Kenyan water service providers as the sector explores sustainable ways to improve drinking-water safety and treatment efficiency.

DANCO, in partnership with Vision Green Solutions, demonstrated the on-site water disinfection solution to representatives from Embu Water and Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS), highlighting an approach designed to support water treatment using readily available inputs.

The technology produces a disinfecting agent through a process involving salt, water and electricity. Such systems can offer water utilities an alternative to relying entirely on the delivery and storage of conventional chemical disinfectants, depending on the equipment design and operating requirements.

On-site generation can be particularly useful for utilities seeking to strengthen their treatment operations, as it may reduce the need to transport and store certain disinfection chemicals. However, its effectiveness depends on correct installation, reliable electricity, suitable water quality and regular monitoring.

Disinfection is an important stage in drinking-water treatment because it helps control disease-causing microorganisms that may be present in water. When properly operated, it can reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses and support compliance with drinking-water quality standards.

For water providers, adopting appropriate treatment technologies is part of the wider effort to ensure that supplies remain safe from treatment plants to consumers. Maintaining water quality also requires effective filtration where necessary, routine testing, sound distribution systems and measures to prevent contamination after treatment.

The demonstration to Embu Water and ELDOWAS provided an opportunity to present the technology to utilities responsible for delivering water to households and businesses. It also highlighted the role of partnerships between technology providers and water service companies in exploring practical solutions to treatment challenges.

The potential benefits of on-site disinfection systems include improved control over disinfectant production and reduced dependence on external supply chains. Nevertheless, utilities must assess equipment costs, electricity consumption, maintenance needs, operator training and the quality of the disinfectant produced before deciding whether the technology suits their operations.

Water treatment facilities must also maintain appropriate disinfectant concentrations and monitor water quality throughout their distribution networks to ensure that treated water remains safe for consumption.

As Kenya continues working to improve access to clean drinking water, technologies that support reliable treatment could contribute to stronger water services when supported by effective regulation, technical capacity and adequate financing.

The DANCO and Vision Green Solutions demonstration reflects growing interest in treatment approaches designed for long-term operation. The ultimate measure of their value will be their ability to help utilities provide safe, dependable and affordable drinking water to the communities they serve.